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Clarabella’s Summer Vacation Schedule!!

I’m the first to admit things have been a little slow this year. I know. I get it;). I’m not shopping so much right now either. That’s not to say I’m not shopping at all, just with less frequency. I’ve decided to take advantage of the lesser frequency that I’ve noticed with my regular clients this year and give the shop a little vacation… or a lot of vacation. Depends on how you look at it I suppose. So… I wanted to give you plenty of warning about the upcoming closures. As always, you can browse the online shop, but be aware that any purchases made during the ’summer vacation’ weeks will not be shipped until Clarabella opens again. That is, of course, because Clarabella is actually just little ol’ me, and if I’m not in the city, I can’t send you your orders;). I’ll remind you of all this before I go anywhere, I promise! So, without further adieu, I present:

Clarabella’s Summer Vacation. (three cheers from me!!)

July:

Friday, July 3rd :: Closing at 6pm

Saturday, July 4th - Friday, July 10th :: CLOSED

[re-opening on Saturday, July 11th]

August:
Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 9th :: CLOSED

[closed on monday as per usual, re-opening Tuesday, August 11th]

We hope this doesn’t cut into any of your shopping schedules. Please come see me next week or sometime in July for some amazing deals on Shoes, Bags and Jewelry!!

xErin

A few images in case you want to take a peek before coming on down. As mentioned, all sale items are at WHOLESALE and below!!! If you’re not in NY and you see something you like, just give me a call and we’ll work out a sale with door to door shipping;).

Enjoy your weekend!

The Prep:

[I’m a sucker for the handmade tags… I think they look nicer, even if it is a little more time-consuming!]

The goods:

[click on any image for a larger picture]

I just got a call from someone based outside of NY inquiring about shipping, what jewelry is involved, etc…

So, here are a few images of the jewelry I’ve got out as a part of the sale. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image. Not all of it is posted on the online shop, so if you see something you like, call me! 212-979-0270.

[apologies for the less than stellar photo quality…]

Gordon Oberlin Dexter (or… G.O.D) first came into my life when I was a tiny little gal. When we first met, he still lived on this gorgeous old farm out in Hiram, Maine. It was a big house with a big barn, complete with stables and a water pump out front that I’m pretty sure all of us kids thought was awesome. He also had a pretty amazing workshop where he practiced his carpentry. I don’t remember quite how old I was, be he actually made me a rocking horse… from scratch! We’ve still got it and unless they’ve moved it, I believe it may still be hanging out in the living room in the new house. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I digress. We may have met when I was a tiny little gal, but Gordon first became my step-dad in May of 1986. The wedding was outdoors in front of a gazebo at our then new house in Naples, ME - a place we’d moved to from Cornish (my mom and I) and Hiram (Gordon) the previous year.

[Gordon and mom back in the day]

Gordon was different than what I would imagine a regular step-dad to be. Mostly because I never felt like he treated me any differently than he treated his own daughters. He welcomed me as a part of his life from day one. He somehow manged to maintain the perfect balance… Of how to be there for me just enough, but step back as needed when I really needed my mom or needed to lean on my Pop. He was always good about voicing his opinion on important matters, but always listened to my side as well. Sometimes I feel like maybe we just understood each other that way because well… we’re the Pisces in the family;).

[Gordon and Hannah - goofing around in the Naples house, Gordon me and Mom in ‘99]

Gordon is a man of many talents. I’ve already mentioned the carpentry. I got the rocking horse, his house with mom is still full with some pretty amazing cutting boards, and there are loads of other items floating around out there. It’s been a while since he’s been in the shop, but I hear that the new workshop is almost complete and we may all be seeing some of his handiwork again very soon. He’s got a great eye and a steady hand for craftsmanship. He’s also a flute player… has been for years. He’s got a pretty fantastic collection of flutes from around the world, the latest of which is called a drone flute. I’m pretty sure there’s a Shakuhachi in there somewhere and of course the traditional flute. Occasionally I’ll hear him playing in the background while I’m on the phone with mom. He’s taking lessons again, something that still impresses me. I do admire a person who can identify those things in life that make them happy and do what it takes to fill their life with them.

[Gordon mom and Lea in Ireland, Gordon in Ireland]

A few funny stories from days past… One night, back in the days of the Hiram house, we spotted a mouse. My memory has never been tip top, so I don’t remember the fine details, but I do remember most of us gals (was it me, mom and Lea? or more of the girls as well?) up on the bench around the kitchen table. There may have been shrieking involved. I’m pretty sure Gordon said he saw it run into the laundry room and came back with something grey hanging from his hand, said he got it, took care of it and that was that. I suppose I’ll need either he or mom to remind me of when we actually discovered that the grey thing in his hand wasn’t actually a mouse, but a chunk of dryer fuzz. Always a sense of humor, that guy;). Along the lines of pest management… here’s another one. I’ve never been so great with bugs. Actually pests of any sort kinda make me squirm. I was in my very first apartment all by myself here in NY. I’d only ever had to deal with one cockroach, but that was with a roommate in a short term sublet. My new place had a few of the little ones, not even the big nasty ones that we New Yorkers know all about. I saw them in the cupboard and immediately boarded it closed. I knew that mom and Gordon were coming in a week or two and decided that I could use the plates and glasses that were already out - no need to open the cupboards until Gordon got there. And… he arrived, and he handled it;). Big sigh of relief from this girl.

[Gordon and Mom, about 3 years ago]
Gordon has a devilish streak, but not in a mean or bad way. More in the way that he always comes up with some funny joke. Be it a pun, a tell-it-like-it-is scenario, or just a flat out funny story, I know he always makes my mom laugh and pulls me in quite a bit as well. He’s also one of those people with one of those crazy contagious laughs. Once he gets going… really going, it’s all anyone can do to not join in. Gordon is a great man. He’s always been incredibly supportive of me and has helped me become the person I am today. For that I am grateful. Happy Father’s Day!! I love you!

That’s right… Pop. Some of you may use the names Dad, Daddy, Father… for me, it’s just always been Pop. Or when I was much littler, Papa. And apparently I did actually call him Bill for a short phase after finding my voice;). My Pop is William Patrick Whelan, or familiarly just Bill. He’s an Irishman through and through, but of the American variety. Up until his generation, the Irish married the Irish. He was born in the Bronx in 1948 to Edward and Rita Whelan and was the 4th son in a lineup of 6th children (my poor Aunt Rita is the only girl and also the youngest!). Though Pop has lived in Maine for over 30 years now, you can still hear a bit of the Bronx accent from time to time, and even a little of the Bronx style soft Irish lilt that I always knew my Grandma to have.

above: the little tike;)

I consider myself to be a very lucky gal. Though the fact that my parents separated and then divorced when I was 5 isn’t particularly out of the ordinary these days, I like to think that the experience I had after that was. My parents handled the separation better than any two people I’ve ever witnessed. Joint custody was arranged and Pop moved to Portland, about 45 minutes away. And so began my weekend excursions. Nearly every weekend from age 5 right up through age 18 saw me heading in to Portland (or Sebago for a short stint) to visit with Pop. Weekends were filled with Friday night Pizza, Movies (sometimes the renegade ‘double features’), his pasta specialty with frozen peas and corn in butter sauce, trips to Two Lights for some rock running, walks in the local dog park (aka the cemetary) with the dogs, playing on the big climbing tree, taking bike rides (most of which were successful with me in the kiddie seat on the back), making up songs and so much more. I like to think that because my parents split, I was given the unique opportunity to develop separate and equal relationships with each of them. Pop and I are very close. Not without our issues, but still still very close. We come from a long line of chatty and fast-talking Whelans and at times have spent hours and hours at the kitchen table talking about who knows what over a never-ending supply of hot tea (with milk and sugar of course).

above: w/me as an infant, goofing around as usual

A few things to note about Pop. Though he’s slowing down just a little these days, he’s a runner through and through. Even as he slows down, I have no doubt that he could beat me in a speed race. I do, however, feel pretty confident that I could take him in a distance challenge (sorry pop!) He was a late blooming runner, picking up the sport in his late 20s. He was one who did it for the love of running. In the early days, he’d grab Maggie (our dog) and take to the road, never really knowing how far he’d go, just trucking along enjoying the open air. Those were his distance days which soon turned into a stronger focus on speed. He’s run for his corporate track teams for as long as I can remember and I think the first races I ever participated in were the kids versions at the corporate meets. When he started working at LL Bean, there was no track team at all… So he started one. That’s just the kind of guy he is;).

above: after a race w/ me and Grandma, speeding around the track for an LL Bean relay

Another thing you might like to know… maybe a little something that not everyone knows… My pop has a very strong creative streak. He plays guitar and had a short stint at the drums for a high school band. I’m pretty sure there is a 45 somewhere in his record collection, but to this day he claims it’s been misplaced in a larger album sleeve. When I was young, he would always sing me to sleep - playing the guitar and singing. Songs he’d written, songs by the Beatles… I’m pretty sure that my music obsession is largely due to him. He’s also a writer and has shared a number of stories over the years. Lately, he seems to be playing around with the camera a bit. It’s always something that he’s wanted to do more with… playing with lighting and shadows. It’s my belief that if he hadn’t gotten sucked into the life of a computer programmer to support a family, that he would have been a Renaissance Man of sorts. I’m sure he’ll love hearing that;).

top: Pop and Christina under a rainbow in Ireland, bottom left: me with Pop in front of the church where his great-grandparents got married in Roscrea, Tipperary - Ireland, bottom right: Pop in Ireland

One last little story for today is about his mustache. Yes… you read right. I’m talking about his mustache:). Pop had at least a mustache, if not a full beard or a goatee for my entire childhood. He shaved it once, maybe while I was in college? We were all so shocked by the bare upper lip that he only really stayed clean-shaven for a few days before starting to grow it back in. I think he may have even surprised himself a bit. So, the facial hair stayed for a few more years. During this time, his facial hair started going more and more white, an amusing thing to watch since his hair was still the normal auburn with little bits of gray here and there. He’s a bit more salt and pepper now, but it was really the beard and the mustache that stood out. About a year ago, he shaved it all off again. It was a big event, one that merited sending me a string of photos as proof. Surprisingly enough, the clean shaven look makes him look far younger than his 60 years. He’ll certainly like hearing me say that!

above: My no longer mustachioed Pop

My Pop is a great man and he’s always been wonderful to me. He’s set the bar pretty darn high for any man entering my life. He’s kind, generous, loving, thoughtful, funny, and just darn amazing. I’m blessed to have him in my life and couldn’t possibly have asked for a better Father. Thank you Pop and Happy Father’s Day! I love you!

So, I just got an email from my dad containing this photo from the garden at home and I couldn’t help but share it here. It’s so perfectly captured, just after a rainfall. Thanks for the photo, Pop:). Makes me wish I could have a garden too!!

xErin

photo credit: Bill Whelan

Guess what Clarabella fans?

We’re having a SALE! A BIG one!

Last year we made you wait all the way until the end of the summer for the first super sale, but this year since the economy is still in the dumps and New York can’t seem to go two consecutive days without rain, we’re thinking maybe you need a pick-me-up right now. We certainly could use a day or two with tons of smiling faces coming in and out;). So… mark your calendars for June 26 and 27. It’ll be a 2 day extravaganza with ALL shoes marked at WHOLESALE or below, and excellent mark downs on select handbags and jewelry.

Again:

Clarabella wants you to have new shoes!!
FRIDAY, June 26
SATURDAY, June 27
12 - 8pm

at
Clarabella
279 E. Houston St.
(between Clinton and Suffolk)

click here for Facebook invite.

It’s happening again!! What’s a girl to do? She needs a little R&R… a little time to herself… or maybe a little time to show an old friend the ins and outs of NYC. Clarabella will be closed for the day this Friday, June 19. She will reopen for business on Saturday, June 20… so really. It’s just a day. Just one little day. That’s fair right? If Friday comes around and you’re really needing a Clarabella fix, peruse the online shop and plot your next purchase. If it’s Erin time you’re longing for… well, you’ll just have to wait until next week. You can chit chat with the lovely Natalie on Saturday and Sunday. I guarantee she’ll greet you with a smile!

If you’re nice (and lucky) maybe I’ll post a few photos of my NYC ’staycation’. Good times are ahead;).

xErin

Summer is almost here! It might not feel like it… we’ve been plagued with a ridiculous streak of overcast days and miserable rain. Today was a glimmer of hope, however, and it looks like we’ve got more like it coming our way. Not to mention the official first day of Summer, this Sunday June 21st! I know that Summer in NY is rough for some. Temperatures in the 90s and crazy humidity can get anyone down… But push that aside and NY is a wonder of fantastic and often FREE events. I actually looooove Summer in the City. I’m not sure I’ve managed to put out a ‘calendar’ every year since I moved here, but almost. I used to write everything out date by date and circulate to friends. It was a little tedious and time-consuming, so that slowly morphed into a list of links. Now I’ve got a combo of the two… a list of links followed by my picks and the things I’d most like to check out.

Now… July 9 will mark 10 years since I moved to this crazy city and there’s still a slew of things I haven’t done. Bryant Park Movies and Midsummer Night Swing are among them. Will this year be my year?? I’ll try;). I’ve also been to a slew of events including Philharmonic in the Park, Free Kayaking on the Hudson, Celebrate Brooklyn, Free Williamsburg Shows (formerly at McCarren Park Pool) and more… ALL worth it. So, if you live in NYC and are up for the challenge, see how many of these events you can hit this summer. I’ll keep you updated on my progress!!

Enjoy!

NY Philharmonic in the Park
July 14 – Central Park
July 15 – Prospect Park
July 17 – Central Park

Hudson River Park Events
July 8 – Iron Man (Movies on the Pier)
July 15 – Vicky Christina Barcelona (Movies on the Pier)
July 23 – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/Radio 4
July 30 – Rumble on the River (please someone come with me!! Boxing!!)
August 19 – Pineapple Express (Movies on the Pier)

Celebrate Brooklyn
June 26 – Blonde Redhead
June 27 – Dr. Dog
July 16 – Kronos Quartet
July 21 – Jackson Browne
August 5 – Purple Rain (screening and sing-along) - because  who can resist Prince and ‘Let’s Go Crazy’
August 7 – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Free shows in Williamsburg (in lieu of the McCarren Park Pool shows…)
These are at the new East River Park at Kent between N. 8th and N. 9th…
July 19 — Magnolia Electric Co., Dirty Projectors and TBA
Aug 9 — Simian Mobile Disco DJ set & TBA
Aug 23 — Girl Talk, Max Tundra and Wiz Khalifa
Aug 30 — Beach House & Grizzly Bear

SummerStage
June 28 – Ledisi
July 18 – Q-tip
August 1 – M. Ward
August 10 – SummerStage 2009 Gala with The Pretenders, Cat Power and Juliette Lewis
August 16 – Dinosaur Jr. and The Walkmen

Midsummer Night Swing
July 8 – Chubby Checker, Rock ‘N Roll
July 9 – The Woody Herman Orchestra, Big Band Swing
July 18 – New Swing Sextet, Salsa and Boogaloo
July 22 – Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, Swing and Jump Blues

River to River Festival
July 4 – Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band w/Jenny Lewis (Battery Park)
July 13 - Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (@55 Water Street) - this is the original version, not the current remake
July 20 - Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre: West Side Story
August 7 - Seaport Music: Casiokids, The Wave Pictures and Slow Club (south street seaport)

Bryant Park Movies
July 20 - Harold and Maude
August 17 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Brooklyn Bridge Park Events
July 9 – Movies with a view: Raising Arizona
July 23 – Movies with a view: Paper Moon
August 13 – Movies with a View: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
August 15 – Free Kayaking

Kayaking on the Hudson

Met Opera Free Summer Events

Jelly NYC Pool Parties
These used to be at McCarren Park Pool, but are relocating this summer… Not sure where yet and the site isn’t totally live yet.

This post relates to my last post on the cute lil’ pups… I know - what’s with all the dog posts? Yes yes, this should be about accessories and the life and times of a NY shop owner, but I’m sure you’re all used to my personality shining through. So I’m dog obsessed right now. Maybe it’ll inspire one of you too!

Anyway, I recently came across this photo and couldn’t help but share. This is the dog who inspired my love of dogs. The best dog in the world… most certainly my best friend when I was a tiny little Erin. She was perfect and amazing - everything you want a dog to be. My parents got her from a shelter in NY a year or two before I came around. She moved with us from New York to Maine and when my folks split, traveled with me between my mom and my dad’s places. Oh how I loved little Maggie Mae.

She’s beautiful, I know! I think I’ll forever be on the look out for another Maggie. *sigh*